A former Johnson County sheriff's deputy charged with rape allegedly admitted in text messages that he was "too handsy," court records show.
Justin Patrick Ramirez, 44, of Spring Hill, faces a rape charge alleging sexual intercourse with a physically powerless person, in Johnson County District Court. Details from a probable cause affidavit were reported by The Kansas City Star.
The affidavit states a woman told Overland Park police the alleged assault occurred at her residence in the late hours of Aug. 3 or early morning of Aug. 4. She said she and Ramirez were friends who had been drinking at her apartment.
The woman told investigators Ramirez began rubbing her feet while she lay on the couch, then touched intimate areas, according to the affidavit. She told police she fell asleep and was awakened when Ramirez sexually assaulted her. She said she froze and pretended to still be asleep.
The next day, Ramirez texted the woman and apologized for "getting too handsy," according to court records. Investigators who reviewed messages between the two said Ramirez admitted to touching the woman, the affidavit states.
In those messages, Ramirez said he had discussed the incident with another friend, whose name was redacted from court records. Investigators contacted that friend, who confirmed the conversation, according to the affidavit.
The woman told police she was afraid to file a report because she had not been believed when she was assaulted as a child and young adult. Because of the delay, she did not receive a sexual assault exam but brought clothing to police as possible evidence, the affidavit states.
Sheriff's office spokesperson Kristen Boxman said Ramirez was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 26 and terminated on Sept. 25, the day of his arrest. Ramirez had worked as a deputy since April 2016, according to The Star's earlier reporting.
"Any action that violates these standards is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Boxman wrote, referring to the office's conduct expectations for employees on and off duty.
A judge reduced his bond from $500,000 to $50,000, and he was subsequently released on a surety bond. His bond conditions include house arrest, GPS monitoring and no contact with the victim.
The Star reported that court records showed no prior criminal history. His attorney, Vanessa Riebli, declined to comment to The Star. The Star reported Ramirez appeared in court Thursday, Oct. 15, for a status hearing where a judge granted a continuance.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in Division 15 of Johnson County court.
